KARACHI, Nov 3: Honda Motor Company Japan Managing Director T Oyama has said that Pakistan will be amongst top five countries producing and exporting high quality motorcycles in next few years.

Addressing the launching ceremony of new 100cc bike model “Pridor” at Sheikhupura Plant on Saturday, he said after investing $35 million this year, Atlas Honda has increased its motorcycle production capacity to 750,000 units annually to meet growing local demand.

He said the company is currently conducting a study for an expansion to one million units’ production capacity, which is estimated to cost around an additional $50 million.

It is encouraging that the government of Pakistan is supporting localisation and the recent decision of ECC depicted the government's friendly policy, he added.

General Manager, Motorcycle Business Planning, Honda Motor Japan, Mr Aoyama said the company will continue bringing in new models with same great quality.

Atlas Honda Chief Executive Officer Saquib Shirazi said that the new bike model exceeds the emission standards Euro II, while setting yet higher benchmarks to be followed by its competitors.

He said the government’s vision regarding new technology is very supportive for new investment to be brought in to the country.

He added Atlas Honda is exploring huge export potential in third world countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and some African countries.